Camping in a 5th wheel trailer is like bringing home to the great outdoors!

 

For those who have been in the camping world for a while, a 5th wheel is a particular kind of trailer – not just that one friend that awkwardly tags along on double dates. A fifth wheel trailer is a recreational vehicle (RV) with more space for living area and storage compared to a truck camper. But do you know how a fifth wheel trailer got its name?

 

What is a 5th wheel trailer
Similar in size to a travel trailer or a toy hauler, the main difference with the 5th wheel trailer is that it attaches through a different kind of hitch rather than a “bumper pull” trailer hitch that is installed under the rear of your truck.

Fifth wheel trailers in general are larger and let you take longer camping trips because they have bigger tanks for storing fresh water and waste water. Because of this, fifth wheel trailers are heavier and put bigger demands on towing vehicles. You need at least a full-size pickup truck to pull one and its towing capacity must exceed the weight of what you’ll be towing.

 

5th Wheel Hitch Basics


Photo courtesy of: Singing Wheels

The name ‘5th wheel’ came from when these hitches were used on early semi-trailers and horse-drawn carriages. There was an additional wheel placed on the rear frame section, when they only had four wheels and that’s where the ‘fifth wheel’ name came from – the pin dropping into the central hole thus making it a fifth wheel. You can see in the photo above, the hitch is at the front of the trailer behind the carriage. With its unique design, it allows it to pivot horizontally while towing the lumber. It evolved into the trailers that we now use today because it uses a similar method for towing.

The PullRite SuperGlide 5th wheel hitch for short-bed trucks

A fifth wheel will generally hook up with what is considered a jaw style hitch in most cases. There are two major kinds of 5th wheel hitches available that will depend on the bed of your truck: either long-bed hitches or short-bed hitches. In our blog How to Select a 5th Wheel Hitch we go more in-depth of what to look for. It’s just good to remember to ask: what kind of truck bed length do I have?

 

5th Wheel Trailer Maintenance Basics
 Just like any trailer, 5th wheels need to be maintained year-round to prevent any major damage or expensive repairs. Yearly maintenance checks are important to maintain your trailer, especially if you store it over winter in wet or snowy conditions. To help maintain your trailer brakes, at Torklift Central we offer a FREE, 10-point safety inspection with scheduled service to make sure that you are towing safely on the road with your cargo.

  • Breakaway system: In case of disconnect or accident, this is crucial to stop the trailer
  • Bearing tension: Verify that the bearing isn’t too loose or too tight
  • Tire and air pressure: Under or over inflated tires can cause further issues
  • Suspension: Vibrations from the road can cause things to become loose and wear prematurely. Inspection is critical
  • Lights: With proper working lights, your safety and the safety of others are protected
  • Braking system: Verify proper operation of the brakes in their current condition
  • Grease fittings: Keep parts lubricated to ensure longevity and lifespan of your parts
  • Ball coupler: Prevent potential trailer disconnect from worn or damaged parts
  • Safety chains: Inspect for proper length when towing as well as for wear and tear
  • Chassis and frame: Inspect trailer for fracture points, cracks, tears, or rust in the frame

For any questions regarding our fifth wheel hitch products, contact us using the information below

 

Torklift Central
315 Central Ave N Kent, WA 98032
[email protected]
877-373-9195
www.torkliftcentral.com

kerstin

Written by Kerstin Stokes:

As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.